by Cam Mertz

Local's Perspective

Jack Norris and Russ Trand

Freestone Construction

As long-term residents of Fernie, we were hearing daily about the difficulty in finding builders in town; especially ones that were willing to undertake renovations. We felt this situation would only get tougher with the onset of the COVID pandemic and the continued downturn in Calgary promoting strong in-migration to Fernie.

We had both been working with an established builder in town for several years (Russ as a Project Manager and Jack as a Lead-Hand Carpenter) and while it would have been very easy to continue working for them, we felt the opportunity to start our own business had never been greater.

Since we started the company, we have been fortunate to have worked on some really interesting and challenging projects, with some really great clients. Most of them wouldn’t have hired us without references from other people in our community, which of course is very gratifying.

We have been fortunate to have worked on some really interesting and challenging projects since we started the company, with some great clients. Most of them would not have hired us without references from other people in our community, which of course is really gratifying.

The greatest thing about this journey, however, has been working with such talented, passionate, and similar minded staff. Also, developing a corporate culture that everyone buys into - we have a lot of fun at work and genuinely enjoy each other’s company! Without them we would be nothing.

It’s hard to miss the current building boom in Fernie and the fantastic opportunity it’s provided to builders, carpenters, and subtrades to make a more consistent living yearround. This is obviously a good thing, but it does open up a lot of challenges in terms of affordability of construction, housing for workers and expansion into the accessible green spaces that many of us hold dear that make Fernie so special.

We hope that our City, the Regional District and industry can navigate a path through these challenges in a sustainable and environmentally considerate way.

Q. We live in the Elk Valley because…

A. It’s one of the best places in the World to live! We love the accessibility of the outdoors, the small-town vibe, and our community values. It’s hard to imagine a better place to raise our kids!

Q. Summer in Fernie is so special because…

A. We can shed three layers after winter.

Q. Something we make sure to do each summer in the valley (at least once!) is...

A. Run Heiko’s.

Q. One Fernie secret we are willing to share is...

A. Miner’s Mud tastes better than it sounds and is probably the best coffee in town!

REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT

Over the years, Fernie has increasingly become a popular destination for second home owners. During the pandemic, many of these individuals made the move permanently to this community, alongside additional people who were able to work remotely and wanted to move away from the big city to a small town nestled within the mountains.

Development can be a touchy subject especially in a small town like Fernie. There is a desire to retain the elements that make Fernie the unique town it is, the elements that have drawn people here in the first place. Fortunately, there has been support and interest in renovating or building within developed areas, developing with minimal impact on the land, promotion of multi-unit development to decrease pressure on the market, and incorporating green spaces into developments.

Your Summer Yard Maintenance Program

BY CAM MERTZ

Did you know that the grass family is the third largest family of flowering plants, with over 10,000 species? Overwhelming, isn’t it?

Summer is around the corner and soon we will be accessing our lawns and gardens so it’s time to start thinking about your summer maintenance program. Many benefits can be realized by having a maintenance plan and executing it successfully, including a fifteen percent improvement to property values, creating a pleasing extension of a family’s living space, and making it safe for play.

Your plan should reference three key components: Spring Cleanup, Mowing, Water and Fertilizer, and depending on how you prioritize your ‘yard value’ you will determine the effort required for each component.

Spring Cleanup

Assess your thatch! Thatch plays a vital role in the health of your lawn. It can improve wear tolerance and provide good insulation for hot and cold swings. If it’s too thick (greater than 0.5in/1.3cm) it can actually repel water which can result in shallow rooting and restrict the movement of fertilizers through the soil. A robust hand rake will help to remove the top layer of thatch while a power rake can mechanically remove the top thatch and roots as it penetrates the surface.

Assess the Ground!

Soils sustain the turf grass by providing minerals water and air. Turf grass pulls carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates. If the ground is hard there is less chance for healthy growing conditions. Aeration is a mechanical action that removes soil cores reducing compaction. You can do

this manually by depressing a pitchfork into the lawn or mechanically with a specialized machine.

Proper mowing, irrigation and fertilizer practice ensures a healthy, disease-resistant lawn.

Mowing

Mowing affects all components of all turf grass quality. It ultimately determines the density, texture, colour, uniformity and smoothness. Always use sharp blades, never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mowing. When your lawn is mowed at an average height of 2.5in/5cm, most of its root system is located in the upper 18in/45.7cm of the soil which is ideal for capture of fertilizer and water.

Improper mowing techniques affects rooting which also affects shoot growth and ultimately determines vigour and persistence of the lawn. Avoid mowing when it’s wet and consider not removing clippings, it aids in returning nutrients to the turf and soil.

Fertilizer

This is a key component in the lawn care program as it provides the required nutrients for your lawn and keeps it beautiful and healthy. In the spring you want to target the root zone so apply fertilizer with a high phosphorous number (5-10-0). In the summer you want to feed your lawn nitrogen for that lush, green ‘golf’ appearance; a fertilizer with high nitrogen should look like this (30-5-5); in the fall you want to ensure your lawn is protected over winter so apply a fertilizer with a high potassium value (5-5-10). You can apply various fertilizer in granular or liquid form and can also experiment with layers of compost.

Irrigation

Irrigation is important for supplementing rainfall, washing in certain fertilizers and pesticides, and keeping the soil moist for the establishment of the turf components. Best results are achieved when irrigation is applied in the cool temps of early morning when there is less chance of water loss through evaporation.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider reducing the amount of maintained landscape area or plant other options such as ‘Bee Turf’ that do not require mechanical control.

Your effort in your yard is decided by you and guided by your summer maintenance program. Did you know that aside from the aesthetic enhancements, your lawns and gardens help the environment and air purification, oxygen generation, erosion control, water conservation, and water purification? Lawns are known to facilitate temperature modifications demonstrating 1520 degrees cooler than hardscapes!

Cam Mertz is a self-proclaimed lawn nerd and is the owner of Mow and Snow. If you should have a question about your lawn or garden, you should call him! mowandsnow.ca

DEVELOPERS

Bower Construction

Bower Construction is a full-scale construction company. From finish carpentry and bathroom remodels to large-scale new construction including timber frame, they have the solution to your building needs. bowerbuilders.ca

Fernie Vacation Properties Inc.

Over 25 years experience of providing signature lodges, homes, timber frames, cabins and developments in Fernie, embodying the lifestyle of the area whether at the golf course or ski hill. fernievacationproperties.com

Greendoor Construction

With over 20 years of experience in the development sector, Rich Lauriston offers a broad skill set, a creative approach and strong relationships in the field. New builds to custom designs and renovations. greendoorconstruction.ca

LWE Builders

LWE creates the most Extraordinary Happy Places. They design, manage, build new, renovate and restore. A local, full-service building company, LWE is a 2017 Georgie Award Winner for Best Certified Custom Home and Best Custom Home. They also won Best of Houzz 2015 for Design. lwebuilders.com

REALTORS

Century 21 – Mountain Lifestyles

The CENTURY 21 Mountain Lifestyles Team offer their clients professional, confidential, and personal Real Estate services. Their award-winning REALTORS® are committed to delivering the Gold Standard in Real Estate Services. Thinking of buying or selling? Call them today at 250-423-2121.

Deborah Johnson

Deborah Johnson knows mountain life in Fernie and is passionate about real estate. She has owned personal, vacation and investment properties in Fernie for over 20 years and has the experience and local knowledge to help you find your dream home or building lot. 250-278-6867

Fernie Real Estate Company Ltd.

A full-service realty company that serves a wide range of consumers. Individuals and families can feel confident that their professional staff will find them the perfect house or special “home away from home” for getaways. fernierealestate.com

Jacqueline Fieldhouse

Dedicated and down-to-earth, Jacqueline has impeccable local market knowledge and offers expert advice, realistic straightshooting negotiation and will be relentless in pursuing the perfect property to suit your style, your needs, your life. soldinfernie.com

Marilyn Brock

A 2020 CENTURION® award winner and ranked in the top 6% of highest producing CENTURY 21 REALTORS® across Canada. The driving force behind Marilyn’s success is attributed to her dedication to her clients and commitment to delivering the Gold Standard in Real Estate Services. marilyn-brock.c21.ca

Ryan Frazer

Having been an active member of the community for over ten years, Ryan has the local knowledge and experience necessary for all real estate transactions. Ryan is always available to show you all this area has to offer, a true “locals only” experience. fernielistings.com

Todd Fyfe

Todd moved to Fernie after 18 years in wholesale and retail management and brings a business mind and a critical sense of customer loyalty to realty. Expect a detailed and professional approach with your best interests in mind. fernierealestate.com

HOME CARE AND SERVICES

All In Property Care

Whether you’re looking for a security check, property inspection or maintenance project, All In Property Care can take care of your prized investment. Working with vacation homeowners, full time residents and multiple unit developments, no job is too small. allinpropertycare.ca

THE LOCAL LIFE

Fernie Property Management

1241 7th Ave Fernie

Ashley Lortscher & Sharon Taylor fernielocal@gmail.com 250 423 9695

Locals Serving Locals.

Over 25 years serving the Elk Valley